Vick's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Vick's Posts

04 May 2019 04:45:08
Newly promoted Sheffield United prioritizes making the transfer of first choice loanee keeper Henderson from Man Utd into a permanent one. Heard if that doesn't go through they'll be looking at Joe Hart or big FF.

Vick

1.) 04 May 2019 12:25:22
Ralph likes Fraser (might even give him a start before the end of the season) can’t see us letting him go, more likely McCarthy will be off.

Stephens has to go. He was awful yesterday and just isn't up to speed for the prem.
Stephens out with a very good quality cb coming in would give us bednarek, new signing, with vestergaard and yoshida as back up plus youth.
Elyounnoussi. it's clear he hasn't done enough to convince Ralph. Even sims has moved ahead of him it seems, so he needs to go. Can boufal come back in jump on Ralph's train or not? Unsure
I think forster playing is probably us putting him in the shop window. Letting teams know that he's there and he's playing again. Hopefully someone takes him on. I'd let him go for a couple of million if it meant us not having to pay his massive wage.

We need to get rid of a lot of players and bring in 3 maybe 4 really good replacements.

That's 4 new players to improve us, still leaving a pathway for the academy And leaves us needing to sell:
Forster, Cedric, Stephens, hoedt, clasie, elyounoussi, Boufal? Gallagher, carrillo.
The selling will be the hardest part.

Forster, if Sheffield U don’t want him, I could see going to Stoke to replace Butland for £3/ 4m or maybe even Huddersfield as Lossl wants out.
Cedric shouldn’t be too hard a sell if his loan move isn’t made permanent - 10/ 12m.
Boufal I want to be given a chance, if not I reckon someone in the Netherlands or France would want to take him on for £12/ 13m.
Clasie would also be desirable in that part of the world - if not he could suit a very open Norwich side for 6/ 8m.

The rest are going to be hard - Carrillo I want to see more of, if not we’re never getting out £19m back (thanks Pellegrino), Stephens probably won’t want to drop down a league but he probably belongs at Forest or Swansea. Gallagher in a similar situation and standard.

Elyounoussi and Hoedt I pray some poor gullible sod fancies them. Leeds seem pretty bonkers, maybe they’re part of the Zidane rebuild at Real. God knows. But with that much cash and salary space - even more if Lemina wants out - there’s room for two young signings and two (CB and ST) that are a bit more wow. I am quite excited about this window - as long as we’re more noisy than Spurs this time!

7.) 05 May 2019 16:13:04
Think you're being a bit optimistic with the valuation of our players lol
Think we'd be lucky to get 7m for Cedric. 12 months on his contract.
We paid 8m for clasie, won't be getting that back. Also only 12 months left on contract.
Carrillo probably just end up getting loaned again unless we take a huge hit on his value. I reckon 10m at a push.

9.) 07 May 2019 03:51:52
Mo has to go. Austin can leave as well, maybe take one of gallagher or Carillo (didn't think he was given a proper go) . Get Adams and Augustin in, a defender like Orban or that Frankfurt guy, and Maehle. Cedric Steph, FF, Clasie can go as well. One of Reed or Lemina to go as well. As well as McQueen.

04 Jan 2019 04:03:28
Davis departure imminent. I would like to thank the bloke for sticking with us through thick and thin and brought a sense of stability and leadership after losing Wanyama and Schneiderlin. Proper engine this guy, and has the technical skills to boot, really an underrated midfielder. Hope he comes back in some kind of coaching capacity.
In other news, Hoedt and Gabbiadini are free to seek pastures new, and Shane Long has interest from Sheffield United.

Vick

1.) 04 Jan 2019 10:54:39
I think Long will stay for the rest of the season. He's reliable and Hassenhutl seems to trust that he'll get a good shift out of him - I think he'll want him around short term until he can get his own players in.

Gabbi seems destined to leave this month, and hopefully we can find someone willing to buy Hoedt too.

Hope we do right by Davis, he deserves it. If he wants to leave we shouldn't stand in his way, and if he wants to see his contract out then we shouldn't force him out.

2.) 04 Jan 2019 20:33:04
Love Davo, sad to see him go but he’s not playing and he deserves to finish his career the way he wants.

Happy to get rid of Gabbiadini, over the last two seasons he’s averaged a goal every 258 mins whereas Austin (who’s commonly referred to as ‘not good enough’) has averaged one every 195, Austin puts a shift in and doesn’t moan every time he doesn’t get an inch perfect pass. Gabbiadini’s simply not good enough.

Reckon Long might do okay under Ralph, scored 15? During Koeman’s first season with a similar style of play. I’d imagine Obefemi/ Barnes could do a similar job but I’d keep Long around until the end of the season at least.

02 Jan 2019 21:54:29
Under Hughes I wouldn't expect us to muster a single point against Arsenal, City, and Chelsea so getting 4 pts out of a possible 9 against those three, considering the state we're currently in, is very much welcomed for me. It looks like the transition to an entirely different tactic and training method, in such a short space of time, and happening during mid season in a period where schedules get very congested and matches come by 3 times a week, took a toll on a few of our players, and I think it causes Ralph to have to adapt and manage to fix the player's fitness while also not burning them out for the run of games in such a short space of time, which is no easy feat.

I'm hoping at least after the January transfer window, where the squad takes it's shape, that the identity of football we want to play becomes clearer and players fulfilling their role, at least adequately if not exceptionally. I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll avoid the drop but bar Huddersfield, the other two spots are down there for the taking. Cardiff ain't doing so bad now, eh?

Vick

21 Dec 2018 01:40:11
Hutch as assertively stated that Lemina and Gabs are not going anywhere this January and we will hold on to them at least until the end of the season. That being said, given that Les Reed isn't here anymore I'm curious whether we could keep hold of our key players this time. Choosing a frontline between Ings, Gabbiadini, and Carillo might be handy in the future seeing the different style they bring.
Although we might be seeing efforts to get rid of the deadwood.
In other news, Yoshida away for a month for the Asian Cup.

Vick

1.) 21 Dec 2018 09:47:20
Definitely said lemina wasn’t going but skirted gabbiadini. Apparently gabbiadini isn’t a fan of Ralph because he’s making them work hard (the same reason he disliked sarri at napoli)

2.) 21 Dec 2018 10:45:52
I don't think losing Gabbi would be too much of a loss, if both Ings and Austin can stay fit they can fill that 'Goal-poacher' mould. What we need is a strong and imposing Target Man, and getting £15m for Gabbi would help in buying one.

4.) 21 Dec 2018 13:59:00
A few weeks ago I would have been adamantly against Gabbi leaving, however it can’t be coincidental that none of our previous 3 seem to rate him. If the right offer comes along I’d say let him go.

6.) 22 Dec 2018 01:35:41
Is Yussuf Poulsen of RB Leipzig not a target man that Hutch used during his time there? David Selke? Granted, Poulsen actually has pace and can press and link up well. All I'm saying is it would be nice to have an alternative plan if we need to buck up some ideas and Carillo's role as a target man might come handy. It gives us different options up front, especially if Gabs is leaving.

06 Nov 2018 11:33:26
News spreading around that the gaffer will get the sack if we don't get anything from the Watford too. Yeah, I got my hopes up as well, until I saw the names lined up rumoured to replace him: Big Sam and Moysey. Honestly I'd rather thry just give the reins to Martin Hunter or even Jahidi or Fleming and give them until a week before January to assess if they're good enough to last at least the end of the season. That way even if they fail to convince it would give the board enough time to identify someone and it would give him a week to assess the squad before the january window opens to do some much needed upgrading.
Also, get Jannik back in the first team ASAP.

Vick

1.) 06 Nov 2018 13:46:30
I'm not sure any manager would get a result with our squad but we have to start somewhere I suppose. We could try to nick Bournemouth's scout.

3.) 06 Nov 2018 15:28:56
Long time reader, first time poster; agree wholeheartedly that Hughes needs to go, I’m less optimistic about us under him than under Pellegrino and he didn’t have a bloody clue. But I can’t for the life of me see why we haven’t been linked with Ranieri? Currently unemployed, took on a Leicester side who came out of a position similar to us the year before they did the impossible, so I guess he would be willing to give it a go? Did a job with not a great Nantes team so don’t see how, in terms of player quality, we’re a massive step down albeit playing poor currently. And even if not him whoever’s in charge next game needs to start Vestergaard, give Højbjerg the armband and drop Long and Redmond for Armstrong and Gabbi/ JWP.

5.) 06 Nov 2018 18:55:38
Agree with rich, especially as Hughes has had the back end of last season and a whole pre season. That said I can only see the logic with Hughes as a short term solution and was stunned to see him offered 3years.

Would rather stick with Hughes than Sam or moyes but let’s face it, this came from an I respected newspaper source who have prob just chucked the same old names in the hat.

Big Sam would make more sense if we were cut adrift but right now, there is enough time to give someone younger and modern to take us forward. Not to be 6th or 10th necessarily but to have an identity, a brand of football to be proud of, even if we lose more than we win. Although a younger man is my preference, rainieri does have the personality to make a difference, with maybe his successor as a no2.

When I started supporting saints 4th bottom was always the aim and although not blessed with great players, the spirit was like no other. I am sure MLT helped too!

9.) 07 Nov 2018 07:23:05
The same Martinez who got wigan relegated and did sweet FA for Everton while capitulating when the defensive base constructed by Moysey started disintegrating? The bloke seems a nice guy but I think that's the last thing the players need right now. Some really need a kick up their backside and someone who can balance man management and command respect is the one to do that. Problem is, I don't think anyone's available to fit that category bar Ranieri and possibly Jardim.

10.) 07 Nov 2018 08:18:47
The very same Martinez who coached Belgium to the 2018 World Cup Semi- Finals ( not too shabby )! but the other two managers referred to are also very good candidates.
Keep on Marching!

11.) 08 Nov 2018 00:32:27
He also won the fa cup at Wigan and kept them punching aboveboard their weight until the relegation. Is the belgium manager going to leave a major national side for Southampton? No.

12.) 08 Nov 2018 07:25:16
Anybody considered Andre Villas Boas? does not have a bad win percentage, been out of football pursuing a career in motorsport so questions on how driven he might be (driven maybe the wrong word) but I was trying to think of young managers that we could consider and he came to mind. There is a bad article relating to his time at Zenit St Petersburg. Supposedly considering a return to football and currently learning German so thought to be headed there.

13.) 08 Nov 2018 08:25:29
Those are rather rose-tinted views of Roberto Martinez. Yes he has taken Belgium to the semi-final of a world cup, but Belgium has player for player one of the very best teams in the world so that is playing to par, not over-achieving. Also, let's not forget there were many bumps in the road and close calls. They almost lost to a very ordinary Japan side. They did not have the tournament most expected and the finish flattered them a little.

He did well at Wigan and Everton for a time as he coaches his team to play attractive attacking football. The down side is that he has demonstrated an inability to organise a defence. So his positives are that he would bring an identity to the side and the football may be more attacking but the club's league position may not vastly improve as we could concede as many or more than we score. Plus, as posted above, he's unlikely to want to do both jobs and why give up coaching one of the best footballing nations in the world?

Ranieri is an interesting name but something happened at Leicester that saw an extraordinary collapse of form after winning the league. That's perhaps psychological and to be expected but form didn't pick up until Ranieri left.

14.) 08 Nov 2018 09:29:13
Martinez has been highlighted as an option for Real Madrid, so I think he'll have set his sights a little higher than Saints.

My worry is that if we do identify a good, young, tactically astute manager who can breath life into our attack with his great motivational outlook. If he's any good we'll struggle to hold onto him. I'd love to bring in that mould of manager who is actually a Saints fan (but I struggle to think of any experienced or successful enough? )

15.) 09 Nov 2018 01:31:55
Figo- agree with most of your comments re World Cup players (Belgium) but to bring together players ( 12 with EPL experience) majority from top 4 EPL clubs plus inter-continental players all used to various club methods and reimpose your own management style/ coaching/ training methods/ planning/ instruction/ motivation/ tactics squad/ team selection/ discipline and understanding are key requirements at this level and deserve recognition
Keep on Marching.

01 Apr 2019 04:21:55
One step closer to staying up. 3 wins more than enough. I'd take 2 draws to go along with it as well. Although it's a shame if the Cardiff result tonight was the one that became the catalyst. We've had our fair share of getting mugged by incompetent refs in the past and it's never nice to see a fellow "small team" on the end of it like that. The Cardiff players did themselves proud and are extremely unlucky and hard done by.
If we stay up, Ralph will stay for next season. If we manage to secure a Euro spot, we can hold on to him for a bit longer.

28 Jan 2019 09:52:59
Seeing the players rumoured in among others are right backs Maehle and Tavernier, and forwards Che Adams and Ranger's Moreno. Which if true then I am very pleased about. Another player I think the club should be looking at is Norwich's Todd Cantwell. Young, English, and under Farke this season has shown great attacking quality and high workrate and willing to press. If we do let Lemina go, Cantwell should definitely get a shout. The lower leagues and less famous leagues such as the Scottish, Belgian, Danish, and Austrian leagues are filled with quality players. Which league the players come from doesn't necessarily dictate the impact and quality they can bring to the team. After all, Mane and Bednarek came from Austrian and Polish Leagues, whereas Boufal and Hoedt came from the higher reputationed French and Italian leagues. It's these kinds of players we target and eventually recruit that prove the effectiveness of the much admired blackbox. Plucking them from absolutely nowhere and polishing rough gems.

Vick

1.) 28 Jan 2019 13:00:26
Very much agree - the old Southampton way that gave us great success for several seasons. Van Dijk, Wanyama from Scotland other examples of good players from poorer leagues, whilst Osvaldo and Ramirez also came from more prestigious backgrounds.
Very much happy to go back to the grassroots as it were and plucking some diamonds from the rough - happy to see this kind of player linked with us as opposed to players like Slimani who would be on massive wages with little quality shown in the last three/ four years.

2.) 29 Jan 2019 08:45:58
With RH's background and RB Leipzig's background could we start poaching players from RB Salzberg? If you look at Leipzig's history under RH a lot of their players come from Salzberg. That being said, there is an obvious connection between the two teams, as both are owned by Redbull.

26 Jan 2019 04:54:47
So aside from Hoedt and potentially Cedric. Do our other current loanees have an option to be signed permanently? Talking about the likes of Clasie, Davis, Reed, Boufal, and Carillo. If there's any slight chance that they have a future at the club, I wonder if RH or someone within the coaching team attempted to make contact with them, watching how they progressed, telling them what Ralph expects from them once they get back, if they're willing to work for a second chance. Because aside from Cedric, Davis, and Reed there are 40 millions worth out on loan and I'm hoping they do well, so the cash we spouted out don't end up in vain.

Vick

1.) 26 Jan 2019 20:40:55
Boufal's the one for me. I think there's a top player in there somewhere and if RH gets hold of him and Boufal is willing to commit to doing the work, I think he could be useful for us.

17 Jan 2019 11:50:16
Honestly I see no way out for Forster this transfer window. Sad to see but on his day he's a solid player and obviously has some personal issues which I hope he can overcome soon. Maybe a spell out on loan or even permanently, as long as he's first choice, might do him some good. However it's difficult to see anyone after him now, especially after both Leeds and Villa signed keepers this window, and no offence but I don't think Celtic can afford him. Whispers of Sheffield Wednesday and QPR exploring loans and Cardiff depending how their season pans out but they might just be adding one and one (Second Division teams + weak depth in goal) guessing. Not holding my breath. But he is on high wages especially for someone who's currently fourth choice and releasing some of that can help make room and flexibility for a signing to come in.

Vick

19 Dec 2018 13:10:36
So ignoring the Daily Fail rumour of Betinelli (Fulham's back up keeper) to replace our first choice and international goalie Alex McCarthy who had recently signed a new 4 year deal, I feel there are other rumours out there that are worth actually giving two cents about. Firstly is the whispers that Gabbiadini is to leave for Fiorentina in a 16 million deal, don't know the truth in this as its a one month old rumour. Following that, Bednarek looks unlikely to leave on loan in January as it was rumoured before when he was overlooked by Hughes since being given a starting birth for the last two games straight. Third is growing speculation that Davis will return to Rangers, either this January or in the summer, seeing that both Ejaria and Coulibaly are on season long deals there and Rossiter yet to show full fitness. Haven't heard of any willing teams to take Forster off of us. Maybe Leeds? Yoshida middle east rumours died down a long time ago. I imagine Boufal, Carillo, and Clasie will stay at their respective loaned clubs until the end of season and will be assessed by Hutch to determine if they have a role to play at the club. Same goes to Reed, Sims, McQueen, and Hesketh. Shouldn't expect too much this January as there's so little time for Hutch to properly judge which players fit his system as I'm sure he'll give the lot time to adapt. Would be happy if proven wrong though and one or two signings come in.

Vick

1.) 19 Dec 2018 14:22:07
Can't see that Betinelli one being true. Even if we sold McCarthy wouldn't we just play Gunn?

Gabbiadini wouldn't be much of a miss tbh, never puts any effort in and has scored 1 in 8 this season. Constantly hear about how our midfielders 'never pick the right pass for him', but even when it's put on a plate for him he does nothing with it. We're now on our 4th? manager who doesn't see him as a starter, there's something in that. Ralph picks on training effort and after his first full week he wasn't even in the squad.

Bednarek won't be going, can't see why he hasn't played more

Davis deserves a return to rangers, been brilliant for us and wants to retire there. Doubt he'll ever get a meaningful run in this side again so I'd like to see him go. Probably a free that, think he's out of contract in the summer.

Hopefully Forster goes to Leeds. Can't see them paying his wages though and was happy to not play and pick up his wage in the summer. Maybe after 6 months he's changed his mind.

Boufal and Carrillo are suited to La Liga tbh. Should stay, better off being there and being in the shop window than returning here and potentially being stuck out the side

Clasie wants to move back to Holland, think he's going back to Feyenoord in the summer - similar sort of thing with Ings to us

Hesketh and Flannigan are only on loan until January, Hesketh's looked brilliant so far, like to see him loaned to a higher division if he's not going to get many games in the first team. Don't think Flannigan's even played a game for Burton which is a shame 'cause he always looked like he'd make it before those knee injuries

McQueen's not played much at boro. Can't see him getting in the side here. Should go somewhere he'll be first choice.

Reed's doing well at Blackburn, let him finish the season there and see where he'll fit in the summer imo

Sims will hopefully get a few games under Reading's new manager. Can see Ralph liking him but I don't think he's strong enough for PL football yet. Needs that game time in the Championship to get kicked imo.

It's been a a while since I posted and I admit I thought MH was a good choice after last season but he has proved to be a huge disappointment. I believe that we will do little or no business this January after all RH has only just arrived and he has stated that he believes the squad to be too large at this time. i am always staggered when players become outcasts left to languish on the sidelines e. g. FF who is still very young for a goalkeeper on a massive salary, we all know lack of mobility is his big problem, he should be placed on an intensive training programme to lose weight and bulk and gain flexibility and mobility and then put out on loan either to retain him or sell, look at Joe Hart written off by Man City but on a new lease of life at Burnley. I hope RH can really start to manage this club from top to bottom providing a proper pathway for the youth and retain a core of very fit motivated players. I thought Shane Long's cross for Charlie on Sunday was masterful, he had just had a goal disallowed but knew CA was in the better position and this a player who has not scored in months. I hope and believe RH is the kind of manager who will encourage all the players and bring out the best in all them. let's go to Huddersfield and take the game to them get a positive result and then back to a packed St Mary's for a storming game against West Ham! Coyr.

3.) 20 Dec 2018 09:50:15
If we were to sell FF and AM then we would need a new GK, not that Angus Gunn isn't good enough but I feel we could get a better GK than Bettinelli if we were to sell those 2.

I agree with selling Gabs, I was opposed to it for so long, but at the end of the day, we paid a lot of money for him to make 5-minute cameos at the end of games. Now that we're starting to give youngsters a chance, I think it could be beneficial for us to sell him, also don't think we would need to replace him.

Davis should go.

Lemina is wanted by PSG, I can see that happening. Hopefully not in January and if we have a good run to the second half of the season and he is instrumental to that then we could probably get 40+ mil for him.

4.) 20 Dec 2018 17:21:14
Agree with you in regards to not needing another striker. If we were to sell Gabbi I would want the transfer fee spent on strengthening us at CB. We need a quick, strong, dynamic leader of our back line.

18 May 2019 14:12:23
No to Lallana. Doesn't fit our age policy, and bar Ings I don't think we take former players back. In a playing capacity, I mean. Djenepo rumours seem more realistic and reasonable than the Augustin and Mitrovic ones. I'd like him and Adams to join if all five of Boufal, Elyounessi, Austin, Carrilo, and Gallagher leave. Having Redmond, Sims, Adams, Ings, Obafemi, either Djenepo or Lookman, and Long to battle out for the forward slots look good enough for me. I read that we're also looking at Evan N'dicka (center back) of frankfurt although not sure how accurate that is. And the media says we're targeting either Maehle or Ranger's Tavernier for the right back slot as well.

07 May 2019 03:51:52
Mo has to go. Austin can leave as well, maybe take one of gallagher or Carillo (didn't think he was given a proper go) . Get Adams and Augustin in, a defender like Orban or that Frankfurt guy, and Maehle. Cedric Steph, FF, Clasie can go as well. One of Reed or Lemina to go as well. As well as McQueen.

30 Jan 2019 06:31:58
Seeing that Genk do not want to let Maehle go until the end of the season as not to disrupt their title challenge, this could be a stop gap signing, maybe a loan until the end of the season? He was on loan at Hull during their relegated season admittedly during the January window, which coincidentally coincided with their brief upturn in form at the time. Other than that haven't heard much of him other than his defending is often suspect.

13 Apr 2019 06:15:14
Phil Giles or anyone responsible for Brentford's recruitment these past few seasons. Operate on almost the same model as us (Uncover gems, polish, sell for a profit) albeit with a more restricted budget and without the pulling power of the premier league. I'm a big fan of how they work these past few seasons with players like Mepham, Watkins, Maupay, Woods, Sawyers, Colin signed to name a few.

01 Feb 2019 13:33:35
Gabbiadini has left permanently, and Davis is out of contract at the end of the season. The futures of Hoedt, Forster, Lemina, Clasie, Carillo, Boufal, Elyounessi, and Austin are not looking very good at the moment and to me they seem like the most likely to be sold this summer. I can see McCarthy, Yoshida, Gallagher, McQueen, Reed, and Long to leave as well but only if better players are available. But the first cluster I mention I expect to leave. I hope RH and Ross Wilson and the scouts are properly looking for a RB, CB, a creative attacking midfielder/ pacy winger, and a forward.

17 Jan 2019 09:01:44
The positives I can see from this match is our youngsters getting some match exp and we can fully concentrate on climbing up the table without being overrun by fixture congestion from another competition where (admittedly) we are far from favorites to come out as champions. Agreed Elyounessi was disappointing but it's highly unlikely he'll leave this January so we can only hope he improves. Don't want two Boufals by the start of next summer.
Ralph has said that our squad is too big and despite the departure of Davis and Gabs I cannot see us selling Hoedt without getting another CB in, seeing that we play 3 at the back and selling him leaves us short. Unless Ralph thinks Alfie Jones is up to the task. With the emergence of Obafemi and the return of Gallagher to full fitness it was an easy decision regarding Gabbiadini and I don't think a replacement for him will come in. Although what we do currently lack is another pacy direct winger in the roster. Why did we ever let Sims go on loan!

14 Jan 2019 13:35:27
Seems like Shane Long and Boufal have what each other don't. If only we could genetically combine those two to get a lazy, selfish, inconsistent, limitedly skilled player. What an asset.
I reckon bednarek and Jannick would do enough to limit Everton's attack but it's our fullbacks against their wide men that concerns me a bit. The lad Bernardo looks some player and his combos with Digne looks deadly. Lookman showed glimpses, although Walcott looked like he had an off day. Targett and especially Cedric really need to be at their best for this. Here's hoping for another 3 points but I wouldn't mind a draw.